Meet the Team

 

Bryan Garcia

Bryan Garcia

Director of EMERGE: Office of First Year and Transfer Year Experience

934-420-5153 Email

Bryan Garcia

Director of EMERGE: Office of First Year and Transfer Year Experience

It is an honor to help students realize their full potential as well as advance their academic and professional goals. I love pizza, reading novels, doing triathlons, listening to Bob Marley, astronomy, and being outdoors!

 

 

Gaby Patterson

Gaby Patterson

EMERGE Academic Success Coach

934-420-5814 Email

Gaby Patterson

EMERGE Academic Success Coach

I am passionate about celebrating small wins, fostering positivity, and empowering students with the tools they need to succeed and take ownership of their journey at Farmingdale! Fun facts: I enjoy creating macrame, reading, listening to feel-good music, camping, and hiking!

 

 

Yolonzo Moore

Yolonzo Moore

EMERGE Academic Success Coach

934-420-5254 Email

Yolonzo Moore

EMERGE Academic Success Coach

I am dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. My goal is to help students develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve their educational and career aspirations. Outside of work, I’m super competitive, enjoy sports and love to try different foods.

 

 

Karen Lopez

Karen Lopez

EMERGE Wellness Success Coach

934-420-5827 Email

Karen Lopez

EMERGE Wellness Success Coach

As a first-generation college graduate, I understand how transformative the college journey can be and I’m passionate about helping others realize their academic and personal goals. In my free time, I love getting lost in a great book, listening to empowering podcasts, and going on fun adventures with my two little ones. It’s all about finding joy in the little moments!

 

 

Melissa Franklin

Melissa Franklin

EMERGE Administrative Coordinator

934-420-2788 Email

Melissa Franklin

EMERGE Administrative Coordinator

I am excited to be a part of the EMERGE program and look forward to seeing all the wonderful accomplishments of the students we work with! A little fun fact, I love to cook, and I've been told by many that tacos are my specialty! 

 

Deseree Wiltshire

Deseree Wiltshire

EMERGE Associate Director of Academic Programming

934-420-2301 Email

Deseree Wiltshire

EMERGE Associate Director of Academic Programming

I’m a dedicated advocate for student success, passionate about helping students grow, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential—both academically and professionally. I find joy in everyday moments, whether it’s listening to music, spending time with family and friends, or simply being present. I’m especially excited to support incoming freshmen and transfer students as they begin this important new chapter.

 

EMERGE: Office of First Year and Transfer Year Experience

Knapp Hall
934-420-2788
emerge@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Email

Bryan Garcia
EMERGE Director

Email

Deseree Wiltshire
EMERGE Associate Director of Academic Programming

Email

Gaby Patterson
EMERGE Academic Success Coach

Email

Yolonzo Moore
EMERGE Academic Success Coach

Email

Karen Lopez
EMERGE Wellness Success Coach

Email

Melissa Franklin
EMERGE Administrative Coordinator

Last Modified 11/12/25